Police sergeant's wife kills self after recent arrest

Jessica Morford had been charged with theft of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, records show.

KATIE KUSTURASTAFF WRITER

A Daytona Beach police sergeant's wife — who worked as a real estate agent until she was recently charged with stealing prescription medication — shot and killed herself Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Jessica Morford, who lived in Port Orange and worked for Real Living All Florida Realty in Daytona Beach, was found dead behind her home, next to Spruce Creek, according to a Volusia County sheriff's report. She was 32. Deputies were contacted at 1:44 p.m. Wednesday by Morford's husband, Bryan Morford, after his wife sent him text messages that were suicidal in nature and specified the use of a firearm, according to the report. Deputies arrived at the home shortly thereafter and attempted to make contact with Jessica Morford. Nearly an hour later, Air-One was requested to assist in the search after deputies' attempts to contact and find her were unsuccessful, according to the report. Officials in the helicopter spotted her body almost immediately after arriving. On March 22, Jessica Morford was arrested and charged with theft of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, records show. Port Orange police were contacted March 20 by one of Morford's clients who provided authorities surveillance video showing her stealing prescription medication, police said. Records show she was scheduled for a pre-trial hearing June 10.